Robert Raymond Burton of Independence, Missouri passed away on March 16, 2025 surrounded by close friends.  A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri. Friends will be received at 4:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Robert was born on December 27, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri to Mike and Margo (Long) Burton. He was a proud graduate of William Chrisman High School, where he laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to service and hard work.

Robert’s commitment to his country was evident during his time in the United States Navy. After his military service, Robert continued to demonstrate his strong work ethic as a Heavy Equipment Operator, becoming a valued member of Operating Engineers Local 101.

Robert had a passion for adventure, particularly enjoying the freedom of riding motorcycles. The open road brought him joy and a sense of peace, and he cherished the moments spent with friends and fellow riders, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Robert is survived by his beloved friends and brothers, who will remember him for his kindness, strength, and unwavering loyalty.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Chad Michael Lewis was born to his mother on July 27, 1981 in Kansas City, MO. He lived most of his life in the Kansas City, MO and surrounding areas. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Chad’s family. 

On December 12, 2024 he married the love of his life Holly Plummer and they were to celebrate 25 years together this year. They were blessed with three wonderful sons, Jerl Lewis, Landen Lewis, and Jason Lewis.

Chad worked as a Service Technician for Bill’s Floor Machine Service. He loved spending time with his family and his friends in which he considered family. Chad had the biggest and kindest heart as he would do pretty much anything for anyone. In his down time he loved having date nights with his beautiful wife, spending time with his family/friends, fishing with his boys, brothers, family and friends and he loved spending time at the lake house and on the lake. Chad loved watching sports especially the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals!!

Chad was a wonderful and giving man with the sweetest and kindest heart and he will be greatly missed by so, so many. He had a heart of gold and always thought of others. Chad gave in death as he gave in life; he was an organ donor. His final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ, tissue and cornea donation.  “Every organ donor is a beacon of hope.”

He is preceded in death by his mom, Cheryl Lewis; his brother, Jason Willis, his grandparents, his great grandparents 

Chad is survived by his wife, Holly Lewis (Plummer); his sons, Jerl Lewis, Landen Lewis, Jason Lewis; his brother, Dennis Allen (Nikki); sister, Tabitha Allen, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and very close friends who loved Chad so, so much. As well as his wife’s family who loved him so very much.

A celebration of life will be held at Loyal Order of Moose (Moose Lodge)

2537 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64129

at a later date and time

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Linn Joseph Sanders was born August 30, 1964 to Ervin Edgar and Margaret Esther (Hancock) Sanders in Boise, Idaho.

Linn graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1982 and enrolled at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

On June 16, 1984, Linn married his high school sweetheart, Katrina (Williams) Sanders, whom he was married to for 40 years.

In 1986 Linn began working for the Independence water company which was later bought by the City of Independence where he worked for 32 years. Linn welcomed his first daughter June 29, 1991 and his second daughter on April 4, 1994.  He was so excited to be a father and even played Barbie’s with them in the role of Ken. In his free time, he enjoyed building plastic models (Military and Nascar), watching Nascar races and Chiefs games.

Linn was a devout Christian who spent time reading his Bible at every opportunity. He was baptized in the Baptist church as a child and continued to practice his faith as long as he was able.

Linn passed away on March 15, 2025 at the St. Lukes Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by family.

He is survived by his wife, Katrina Sanders, daughter Jourdain Sanders and fiancé Theo McSheehy and granddaughter Elsie McSheehy; daughter Jessica (Sanders) Tichacek and husband David Tichacek; sister Brenda Sanders; sister-in law Shirley Sanders; mother and father-in-law Ryland and Janice Williams; Brother-in-law Greg Williams and wife Karen Williams; Nephew Codie Williams and Niece Kaitlyn Williams; many other cousins and extended family.

Visitation on Friday, March 21^st from 6:00-7:30pm at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, MO with Funeral on Saturday, March 22^nd at 1:30 pm at the funeral home. Burial in Blue Springs Cemetery.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Tabatha Mae Barr of Independence, MO passed away unexpectedly at the age of 31.

Tabatha was born August 12th, 1993 in Independence, MO to Denise Deaton Barr and the late Jeffrey Barr.  Tabatha was a mother of 2, whom she loved with all her heart. She was also a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and niece and meant the world to many more. Tabatha had her faith within the catholic church and was a member of St. Mark’s with her grandparents while she was younger. Tabatha attended Truman High School. In her adult life she had many jobs; car wash, retail, hospitality. Tabatha had a huge, caring, selfless heart and stayed encouraged by her ongoing faith. She loved the outdoors which was influenced by both her father and her Papa. She also had a special love for music.

Tabatha is preceded in death by her father Jeffrey Barr, grandparents Jessie Barr, Pat Deaton and Geneva Deaton.

She is survived by her daughter Alena Barr and son Jeffrey Barr, her mother Denise Deaton Barr, her sisters Amanda Fogel (nieces; Danielle, Alexis and Georgia) and Jenise (Adam) Wilmes, grandparents Paula and Richard Bradfield, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.

Services will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Independence, MO on Tuesday March 25th, at 1 pm for visitation and 2pm for Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help with funeral costs c/o Jenise Wilmes or Nicole Bradfield.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Raymond Lavon Enyeart, age 88, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on March 10, 2025. He was born on October 9, 1936, on his family farm near Keytesville, Missouri, to Arthur B. Enyeart and Minnie E. (Clark) Enyeart. He married Donna Faye Bartholomew on June 19, 1960.

Raymond served as a U.S. Army medic in Germany (1960-1962), where he and Donna enjoyed traveling in Europe. Upon his return to the states, he continued in the Army Reserves (1963-1965).

Raymond worked for Western Electric/AT&T for 34 years, retiring in August 1996. He served as the President of the Local 6360 CWA Union from 1987-1991.

Raymond was a dedicated family man and passionate father. His love for his family was second only to his unwavering faith in God and his humble walk in service to the kingdom of heaven.

He was a member at Plaza Heights Baptist Church for over 43 years, enjoyed serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and serving together with Donna, mentoring college and career students (LightShine). He was currently a member at First Baptist Church Grain Valley and especially appreciated his Sunday school class as they ministered to him over the last few years.

Raymond’s life was a testimony to how he invested in the lives of many people, showing the love of Jesus to everyone he met. We saw this in the stories people wrote on the cards they sent to him.

Raymond enjoyed raising his children and was deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren. He loved gardening and creating the family “Garden of Eden” `in their backyard. He and Donna enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad.

Raymond is survived by his wife Donna, daughters Susan Enyeart of Independence, MO, Madonna (Brian) McCoy of Phoenix, AZ, Danita (L.W.) Voth of Lindsay, TX, and son, Kevin of Lee’s Summit, MO, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, sister Gleva Cox of Salisbury. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Elvin and Clyde, sister Evelyn, along with many other deeply loved family members. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14th at First Baptist Church Grain Valley, from 9-10:30, immediately followed by the service from 10:30-11:30. The internment will be full honor’s military at the Missouri Military Cemetery at Higginsville from 1:45-2:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Raymond Enyeart LightShine Memorial Scholarship fund.

Raymond will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Carlos Michael Montez, 21, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Visitation will be 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri, with sharing of memories starting at 2:00 p.m.

Carlos was born March 9, 2004 in Kansas City, Missouri. The son of Bryan C. Montez and Tanya Dawn (Fine) Hubbard. He worked at American Reloading Company in Grain Valley, Missouri where he was loved by so many of his coworkers. Carlos enjoyed playing video games and going to the shooting range. He always found time to just hang out with friends. Carlos had a big smile that made everyone in the room smile. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Richard L. and Donna M. Fine.

Carlos is survived by his mother and step-father, Tanya and Tim Hubbard; father, Bryan Montez; 3 brothers: Richard Fine-Brison, Manuel Montez and Diego Montez; 2 sisters: Molly Hubbard and Olivia Kelley; grandparents, Robert and Pat Montez, Phyllis Hubbard; extended family;  aunt Alicia Montez, her children, Kristen Zinn, Jordan Humphrey, Noah Humphrey;  aunt Carmen and Glenn Paul, their children Evander Paul and Dominic Paul;  aunt Marlana and Jon Rhodes and their children Anaya Brady, Chloe Brady, Faith Rhodes, Tanner Rhodes;  uncle Donald and Penny DeLong; aunt Michelle and Jim Edwards and their child Amanda Edwards, Isaiah Edwards; cousins Lindsey and Michael Michell and their children Troy Michell, Solomon Michell, and Eli Michell;  Kristen and Dakota Zinn and their children Maya Zinn,  Aidan Zinn,  and Ara Zinn.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Diana Lynn Pierson, 61, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2025. She was born September 16, 1963 in St. Joseph, Missouri to the late Kenneth Dale and Gearldean Hibdon (Adams). She was a cherished wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

On June 7, 1997, in Independence, Missouri, she was united in marriage to her surviving husband, Thomas Pierson. Together they shared 27 years of marriage before her passing on March 5, 2025.

In addition to Thomas (Bill) she is survived by her children, Brandy Young (Alex) of Kansas City, MO, James Young (Misty) of Independence, MO, Stepdaughter, Sheree Pierson (Mark) of Shell Knob, MO, and Aimee Dolehanty (Scott) of Lenexa, Kansas. Grandchildren, Marissa Donovan (Nikki), Zachary Little, Chelsie Young, Blake Young, Ava Young, Nathan Roush (Anna). Sisters, Debbie Riner (Joe), and Pam Davis, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Gearldean Hibdon and granddaughter Hannah Leeson.

A celebration of Diana’s life will be held at Living Waters Family Worship Center at 211 S. Osage St., Buckner, MO 64016, on Saturday, March 29, 2025. A visitation will begin at 12:00PM with a service to follow at 1:00PM. Dinner will be provided immediately following the service, across the street from the church.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Marvin Lee Blake of Independence, Missouri passed away on March 3, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri.

Marvin was born on July 23, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri to Thomas and Fern (Cotter) Blake. He enjoyed many days outdoors hunting and fishing.  Marvin was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and also had a love for cars. He was also very creative and had a passion for woodworking.     

He was preceded in death by his father.

Marvin is survived by his mother, Fern; sister, Vickie (Mark) Stephens of Buckner, MO; nephew, Josh (Katie) Stephens of Grain Valley, MO; niece, Amanda (Tyler) Duncan of Parker, KS; nephew, Logan (Brooke) Stephens of Oak Grove, MO; great nieces and nephews: Lexi, Harper, Colton, Mason and Lane.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Angela Dawn Strickland, 61, of Buckner, Missouri passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Visitation will be 1:00 pm Sunday March 9, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home. Celebration of life will follow at 2 pm at the funeral home.

Angela was born February 5, 1964 in Kansas City, Kansas to Cecil Abbott and Carol (Sikes) Abbott. She was a hairstylist for 40 years. Angela enjoyed making arts and crafts as well as playing the guitar. She was known for singing Patsy Cline songs and karaoke. Angela loved to cook and spend quality time with her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandmother, Myra Johnson and her brother, Doug Abbott.

Angela is survived by her husband, Terry Stickland of the home; son, David Strickland of Buckner, MO; her fifth bassett hound, Olive PeeWee; several cousins and extended family members.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Mike R. Gunn, 67, of Independence, MO lit his smoker for that last time on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 8:40pm at home surrounded by his wife and family.

The oldest child of Norman and Dorothy Gunn, Sr. Mike never took the easy road in life, but that road led him to the love of his life. Mike married Diane in 1992, where they blended their families. Mike worked as a maintenance supervisor in a local nursing home for several years, until he was forced to retire due to health complications.

To know Mike is to know: he loved his family fiercely, enjoyed a good day on the deck with the smoker going, having his grandkids around him, keeping his yard immaculate, watching the Chiefs faithfully. He didn’t judge you; he took you as you are and was a safe place for many. The hole that his passing has left, is one that will never be filled.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Dorothy Gunn, mother-in-law Doris Gosnell, brother-in-law Keith Myers, his brother Timothy Gunn, his niece Jillian Caraway, granddaughter Izabella Colvin.

Mike is survived by his wife of 33 years Diane, his sisters Laurie (Rick) and Melinda, his brother Norman, his children Michelle (Phillip), Butch (Jennifer), Robert (Shonda) and Morgan (Walter), 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

The family asks that if you would like to make a donation, please send them to St. Croix Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600